tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85814875335509855802024-03-23T03:13:47.491-07:00Pro Chek Home Inspection ServicesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-39661016049636390012017-04-04T00:03:00.001-07:002017-04-04T00:04:01.874-07:00Causes of a Wavy Roof<p dir="ltr">What causes a Wavy Roof? <br>
Causes of a wavy roof: <br>
1. The felt paper used on the decking was potentially wet or bubbly when laid down. Thankfully <br>
this is something that can be fixed with just a little time and heat. Typically after a few warm <br>
summer weeks, the shingles will lay flat and you will no longer notice the wavy look. <br>
2. First layer of shingles were wavy and the roofer laid directly over the existing layer. This is a <br>
bad move, a roofing company should not lay new roofing shingles over shingles that are wavy. <br>
A new roof will be required, after stripping both layers of shingles, to achieve a quality flat look. <br>
3. Damaged decking could also cause a wavy look to shingles. Inspect the plywood from the <br>
attic and look for cracks, sagging, or rotting. If any of this is found, be sure to have a roofer <br>
replace any plywood, with the required thickness of board that is code for where you live. <br>
4. Quality of the roofing work in general can also cause a roof to look wavy. Potentially it could <br>
be caused if the shingles were not properly aligned or not nailed fully. Ultimately there is no <br>
single answer for why a roof may look wavy, but could be a combination of factors. <br>
Contact Pro Chek Home Inspection Services to schedule your Buyer/Seller Inspection Services <br>
and also Homeowner Annual Maintenance Inspections of your Roof, Decking, Septic, Sewer <br>
Line, Pool and more!! <br>
#800-338-5050 <br>
ITS TIME WE ARE ASKED OURSELVES WHY WE SERVICE OUR CARS EVERY 3.000 <br>
MILES BUT VERY RARELY PERFORM SIMILAR SERVICE OR ANNUAL INSPECTIONS ON <br>
OUR HOMES. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS CAN SAVE HOMEOWNERS <br>
THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND PREVENT MAJOR HEADACHES DUE TO SUDDEN <br>
FAILURE OR INSANE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT EXPENSES. <br>
A Home is the largest investment that the majority of Us will ever make……. So tell me this, is <br>
it really worth it to Avoid having an annual Maintenance Inspection just because we don't want <br>
to pay a couple hundred dollars?? <br>
Please hold off on answering the above question for now and give me a call eventually when <br>
you are writing a check for a large sum of money for the emergency repair or replacement of <br>
one of the major systems within your home, which could have very easily been flagged earlierand corrected so that you wouldn't be cutting a check for thousands of dollars right now…… <br>
Unless you are the 1 person across the globe that actually enjoys writing and handing large <br>
check to someone when you least expected it. <br>
Schedule your Spring Maintenance Inspection today……. #800-338-5050</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-15450251427176194682017-02-03T21:34:00.001-08:002017-02-03T21:34:11.042-08:00Stop those Squeeky Wood Floors... <p dir="ltr">DON'T YOU HATE THOSE<br>
SQUEEKY WOOD FLOORS????</p>
<p dir="ltr">Flooring of all types has the potential for squeaks. Floor framing dries and shrinks, and squeaks occur as fasteners become loose, allowing movement in the subfloor and framing. Hardwood floors are known for this quality as they dry during the winter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For a quick fix, try sprinkling a little talcum powder between the offending hardwood boards. This may temporarily quiet the squeak as the talc lubricates the rubbing surfaces.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For a better quick fix, try Counter Snap. This screw fastening system secures loose hardwood floorboards and stops squeaks. You drive the slotted screw through a special bracket into the hardwood and subfloor. (For dense woods, you will need to drill a small pilot hole.) Once the screw tightens the loose board, you break off the screw just below the finished wood surface.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You will be left with a very small hole which you can patch with wood putty or colored filler. - Mr Fix-It<br>
</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-36061987724925851292017-01-28T15:52:00.001-08:002017-01-28T15:52:29.811-08:00Septic Inspections <p dir="ltr">Time for a new D-Box <br>
#dboxissues #dboxinspection #septicinspections #whatisadbox #prochek #onsiteenviroexperts #buyersinspection #homeinspectionnyct #homeinspectionny #septicissues #septicinspector </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6YUYVdM8WegmQqNXi8lurZxIUx5aOTjl-j6TctkhTg-OxpyFRFXAonTSqcdOULOwnH8CiyFNQ4H-wcedO6Zu2HxCaNRRVHGs1gONpCAAiv0VYETMerpjT1-lozZsXeRycvJQrqn8OShw/s1600/20170127_114435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6YUYVdM8WegmQqNXi8lurZxIUx5aOTjl-j6TctkhTg-OxpyFRFXAonTSqcdOULOwnH8CiyFNQ4H-wcedO6Zu2HxCaNRRVHGs1gONpCAAiv0VYETMerpjT1-lozZsXeRycvJQrqn8OShw/s640/20170127_114435.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-91357164031652979872016-11-03T21:41:00.001-07:002016-11-03T21:41:59.268-07:001 stop shop for all your Inspection Needs... Septic Too (and I don't mean a dye test)<p dir="ltr">Pro Chek Home Inspection Services & Onsite Environmental Experts is truly a Homebuyer's, Sellers, & Real Estate Professionals ONE STOP SHOP during any/all Real Estate Transactions. We performed the Home Inspection, WDI, Termite Inspection, Radon Testing, Water and Septic Inspection at the home in this photo this week and after digging up the tank and 4+ Dboxes, it's like we were never there.!! We respect and appreciate all Parties involved in the Real Estate transaction and the<br>
#Home itself, so we go the extra mile to throw grass seed down or place sod over dirt areas when the grass is green and healthy. <br>
#homeinspection #septicinspection #1sttimehomebuyer #hombuyer #fairfieldcountyrealestate #westchestercountyprivatewelltest<br>
#westchestercountyrealestate #eastfishkillwatertest #dutchesswater test #putnamcountyseptic<br>
#westchestercountysepticcontractor #licensenumber553 #engineeringinspection @prochekhomeinsp @onsiteenviroexperts #oee #onsiteenvironmentalexperts #onsitewastewatertreatmentspecialists #prochek #honestbusiness #prochekwhereourclientsareourfamily</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU96-E1k6s53mTXuPNGKg_VghtmFmv_LAsSTp60RVfrH5dgdFyXZQNdkv8vEyTMnwYPbJBGPce2baZvi6SUNb6rW86B-7cBxIgMTVmsIL0ZhGSG-WJPiNlCERS9NgR246yldYNqum1ABy/s1600/20161103_111743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIU96-E1k6s53mTXuPNGKg_VghtmFmv_LAsSTp60RVfrH5dgdFyXZQNdkv8vEyTMnwYPbJBGPce2baZvi6SUNb6rW86B-7cBxIgMTVmsIL0ZhGSG-WJPiNlCERS9NgR246yldYNqum1ABy/s640/20161103_111743.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLyvzr3-Xk2VbMNgtRlaqxR0zbitA9llPf4CjoJfLY6vOdsm0v1tapYWWBQWCAhAEMAgZwfkUkVU1UeoH9KUlPh38DADXTqRbUDrwRy1CURdmxMOXb7In-hewoU2E55FYQUTTw_rVDXvY/s1600/20161102_125237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLyvzr3-Xk2VbMNgtRlaqxR0zbitA9llPf4CjoJfLY6vOdsm0v1tapYWWBQWCAhAEMAgZwfkUkVU1UeoH9KUlPh38DADXTqRbUDrwRy1CURdmxMOXb7In-hewoU2E55FYQUTTw_rVDXvY/s640/20161102_125237.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-65334151268856436812016-11-03T21:40:00.001-07:002016-11-03T21:40:05.601-07:00DON'T SUFFOCATE YOUR ROOF...<p dir="ltr">Your Roof Needs to Breathe</p>
<p dir="ltr">Did you know your roof needs to breathe just like you do? Proper roof and attic ventilation is critical to prolonging the life of your roof — adequate ventilation regulates temperature and moisture levels. In an improperly vented roof, heat and moisture can build up causing damage to rafters, sheathing, shingles, insulation, raising energy costs, any may also lead to some ugly mold and mildew problems. Proper ventilation can help prevent many of the most common roofing problems and prevent even greater expenses later on.<br>
Vents should be installed at the base of the roof and near the top. This allows warm air and moisture to leave through the top while cool air is drawn in through the bottom. If adequate ventilation is not installed, serious problems such as attic condensation, wood rot, mold, mildew and rusting metal can occur. These problems can affect the integrity of the roof as well as the integrity of the house, and can even cause health problems for family members in the home, particularly if mold and mildew are present.<br>
There are several types of vents to be aware of:<br>
Roof Vents — though available in a standard or powered version, this vent is best installed toward the top of the roof.<br>
Soffit Vents — are able to be used as either inlet or outlet of air and are best combined with a ridge or roof vent.<br>
Gable End Vents — these vents are placed at the top of the gable area on both ends of the house.<br>
Ridge Vents — these vents are placed along the entire ridge of the roof to allow hot air to escape as it rises to the top of the attic space.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuxuYn9ihYbvTf2imoS9Cm_UquuuXWuXbAjgq9m_AvHEYkYN4OLkslGix1S_z9K9O2-EWrn1zqpNItmr3w8Tv-TTBCtfR9omGoqljhf67RFvrimUNd4dYM0vb_y0KfZBZqBa87Zpl7a-J/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuxuYn9ihYbvTf2imoS9Cm_UquuuXWuXbAjgq9m_AvHEYkYN4OLkslGix1S_z9K9O2-EWrn1zqpNItmr3w8Tv-TTBCtfR9omGoqljhf67RFvrimUNd4dYM0vb_y0KfZBZqBa87Zpl7a-J/s640/download.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-52775408831509573472016-10-19T06:51:00.004-07:002016-10-19T06:51:32.042-07:00Ever been told that 'there is NO lead in your Water and your tap water is fine b/c you have City Water'?? That's FALSE.... The Lead in your Water Making you sick is coming from INSIDE OF YOUR HOME..........<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 class="headline">
Ever been told that 'there is NO lead in your Water and your tap water is fine b/c you have City Water'?? That's FALSE.... The Lead in your Water Making you sick is coming from INSIDE OF YOUR HOME..........</h2>
<h2 class="headline">
<br /></h2>
<div class="headline">
Whether you have a home with City Water Service or a Private Well Water System, the simple fact is that the the Lead concentrations or elevated Lead in Water Level is COMING FROM YOUR INTERNAL PLUMBING SYSTEM. Take a walk to your basement and look up at your Plumbing supply lines that deliver water to each faucet and tub. I bet my house that the majority of you that do this will see copper pipes with areas of the pipe that is joined together and discolored (copper coloring is now silver). These are likely areas where a Plumber has soldered or done previous work, normally soldering is the primary culprit of the Lead found in Tap water, along with lead piping and even corroding brass or some faucets found in BRAND NEW Homes as of 2016. </div>
<h2 class="headline">
Lead in Plumbing Today</h2>
<section class="body">Aging infrastructures, including pipe and plumbing system components, are the main contributors of trace amounts of lead in the water supply today:</section><section class="element"><section class="body"><ul>
<li class="first">Nearly all homes built prior to the 1980s still have lead solder connecting copper pipes.</li>
<li class="last">Some major U.S. cities still have 100 percent lead piping bringing water from the utilities to homes and businesses. The dissolved oxygen in the water combines with the metal at the surface (copper, zinc or lead) to form a metal oxide. This oxidation layer naturally develops through the decades to coat lead piping. When water conditions require it, water utilities also add lime or orthophosphates as a further barrier to prevent lead from getting into drinking water. When water chemistry is carefully controlled, it prevents dangerous levels of lead from entering the drinking water system from the pipes.</li>
</ul>
</section></section><section class="element"><header class="head"><h2 class="headline">
Clean Water and Faucets</h2>
</header><section class="body">Many faucets sold in the U.S. and around the world are made from brass, a mix of copper, zinc and a minute amount of lead. Lead seals microscopic cracks that occur between the copper and zinc crystals as they cool, and provides the malleability for brass to be forged and converted into the machined components that are vital parts of every faucet.</section></section>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-47089451193079304192016-09-02T16:05:00.001-07:002016-09-02T16:05:36.575-07:00What's your opinion in Residential Fire Sprinklers<p dir="ltr"><br>
What's your opinion in Residential Fire Sprinklers?</p>
<p dir="ltr">http://www.pmmag.com/articles/97944-the-case-for-residential-fire-sprinkers<br></p>
<p dir="ltr">The case for residential fire sprinkers<br>
May 17, 2016 <br>
By faloonk@bnpmedia.com<br>
Fire. It’s one of the most destructive forces that human beings encounter. It destroys homes and businesses. It devastates communities. It takes lives.<br>
The National Fire Protection Association’s latest U.S. data notes 92% of all civilian structure fire deaths resulted from home structure fires. So doesn’t it make sense to protect ourselves from fire whenever and wherever we can?<br>
Today, commercial buildings, offices, hotels and restaurants have fire sprinkler systems installed to protect property as well as the lives of the occupants/customers. Yet attempts to add such systems to residences has met with resistance from builders and homeowners.<br>
“The No. 1 misconception that is used the most to fight against the sprinkler requirements is the cost,” explains Melisa Rodriguez, design services supervisor for Uponor’s fire safety division. “A few years ago, the national average was around $1.60 per sq.-ft. The newest published data has actually dropped it to about $1.30 per sq.-ft. I think the easiest way to frame it in the mind of a homeowner is that it costs about the same as upgrading to granite countertops.”<br>
She adds fire sprinkler systems will be less expensive in areas where a lot of sprinklers are installed with a good pool of contractors trained to install them. If homeowners live in an area where home fire sprinklers are still new and the contractor base isn’t there, it could cost more than the national average.<br>
The second misconception is how sprinklers deploy.<br>
“I’ve found that people believe all the sprinklers are going to go off at the same time,” Rodriguez says. “So a lot of homeowners and builders are worried about water damage if they burn their toast. The movies still show all the sprinklers going off at once and every time I see that, I go, ‘No!’ It’s only the sprinkler closest to the fire that will go off and it’s only activated by high heat.”<br>
What constitutes high heat? She explains that a standard residential sprinkler will activate around 155° F to 165°, meaning a sprinkler will usually activate within one minute of a fire starting. A single sprinkler will put out between 13 gal. and 18 gal. per min., compared to a fire hose that pumps water at 150 gpm.<br>
Timing is the third misconception. Many people believe, since they have smoke detectors in their homes, they will have plenty of time to get out of the house before the fire gets to the point where it’s life-threatening, Rodriguez notes. Yet flashover — the point at which a fire will overtake a home or building — occurs in as little as four or five minutes. And when flashover occurs, the temperatures in that room are more than 1,000°.<br>
“By the time the fire department arrives and is putting water on the fire, you’ve got a lot of fire damage,” she adds. “You can dry things out, but you can’t unburn them.”<br>
Modern home design and construction materials play a big part in flashover, says the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition. Research conducted by Underwriters Laboratories and the National Institute of Standards & Technology indicates engineered lightweight materials, combined with modern open layouts, create more dangerous conditions faster and fail sooner compared to older dimensional lumber systems.<br>
Engineered lightweight construction materials are strong and economical (reduces build times and saves money), as well as more environmentally sustainable and structurally stable under normal circumstances. For these reasons, homebuilders prefer to use such materials when building new homes.<br>
Another feature of modern homes that contributes to faster and hotter fires is the popularity of open layouts. Large homes with open areas and high ceilings provide no barriers to the spread of fire. The greater volume of air available in such homes allows fires to grow larger and more quickly, making them lethal to occupants and firefighters. They also are much more difficult to extinguish when fire crews arrive.<br>
Because of this, new codes are requiring that floor joist protection is provided in areas where wood floor joists are exposed, Rodriguez says. “In legacy construction, you wouldn’t see a potential for floor collapse for at least 20 minutes,” she explains. “The testing done on new floor joist construction sees floor collapse in less than 10 minutes and sometimes in as little as three.”<br>
If a homeowner wants to leave the basement unfinished, the International Residential Code now requires exposed floor joists be protected with either a layer of Sheetrock, spray-on fireproofing chemicals or a partial sprinkler system.<br>
The ultimate protection<br>
Despite these misconceptions, more homeowners seem to understand that fire sprinklers will save the lives of themselves and their families. A May 2014 Harris Poll conducted on behalf of the HFSC notes 74% of respondents would be more likely to buy a home with fire sprinklers, 69% say a sprinklered house has more value and 78% say fire sprinklers provide the ultimate protection for residents.<br>
“People who have lived in homes with fire sprinklers are more likely to prefer that their new home also has fire sprinklers,” Rodriguez notes.<br>
California and Maryland mandate fire sprinkler systems in all new homes built statewide, Rodriguez says, noting Minnesota had a sprinkler mandate for homes more than 4,500 sq. ft. However, various builder associations filed a lawsuit saying 4,500 sq. ft. was an arbitrary number, and the requirement was taken out of the code.<br>
“There was no scientific backing about why that specific number,” she explains. “So we are confident that in the future, perhaps over the next code cycle, Minnesota will have a residential fire sprinkler mandate with no cutoff.”<br>
Other states that have gotten close include Pennsylvania, she notes, and there’s a push to mandate them in Texas and New York. Many jurisdictions have local requirements for home fire sprinklers, sometimes in areas not accessible to the fire department, including parts of Oregon, Washington, Florida and Illinois. Scottsdale, Ariz., mandated home fire sprinklers more than 30 years ago.<br>
“Statewide, a sprinkler mandate may be a difficult sell, but these local jurisdictions can do it, as long as the state doesn’t prohibit it,” Rodriguez says.<br>
Some builders are finally realizing fire sprinklers are another life-quality option they can offer their clients, Rodriguez adds, equating them with car seatbelt and airbag requirements that the auto industry fought for years to have implemented.<br>
Just as other systems and equipment in the home need maintenance, home fire sprinkler systems require annual checkups to ensure they are in proper working condition, HFSC says, such as making sure sprinklers aren’t painted and that nothing is hanging from them or blocking them. Valves should similarly be checked to ensure they are turned on.<br>
The NFPA says that, once a month, homeowners or sprinkler contractors should test the pump (if any) and visually verify that all valves are open and the storage tank (if any) is full. Twice a year, the water-flow device and monitoring service (if any) should be tested.<br>
Filling a niche<br>
Fresno, Calif.-based Richard’s Plumbing has been installing plumbing systems in tract homes for almost all of its 39 years in business. The area has available land that developers quickly snap up to build tracts of homes at reasonable prices, notes Vice President Randy Smith. “I believe that’s why we’ve stuck to that niche,” he says. The local builder the company does the most business with is McCaffrey Homes.<br>
California mandated residential fire sprinklers in 2010. Company President Terry Fletcher immediately signed himself up for fire sprinkler planning school, where he spent several weeks learning how to install fire sprinkler systems in homes. He also obtained a C16 fire protection license required by the state at that time in order to install these systems; that requirement has since been rescinded.<br>
“We believe fire sprinklers are a life-safety issue,” Smith says. “They are meant to give people time to get out of the house, not preserve the structure.”<br>
Richard’s Plumbing used Uponor PEX pipe for all the plumbing systems it installs in those tract homes, so it just seemed natural for Fletcher to stay with the company and its AquaSAFE multipurpose product when the company moved into the home fire sprinkler business.<br>
Two types of fire sprinkler systems are available for installation — stand-alone and multipurpose. With stand-alone systems, the piping only is to be used for fire protection. Contractors used to be limited to the type of piping used in stand-alone systems — copper, steel and CPVC. Now PEX tubing is allowed in the residential fire protection standard, NFPA 13D, as an installation material.<br>
Stand-alone systems will have stagnant water in the lines, and in many jurisdictions a backflow prevention device is required to keep the stagnant water or water in contact with leaded fittings from getting into the drinking water. However, plumbers can’t touch such systems; usually a fire sprinkler contractor is required to install a stand-alone fire sprinkler system.<br>
Multipurpose systems can be used for potable domestic water and fire protection. Because of the potable water connections, all system components must be lead-free — sprinklers as well as fittings. This can drive up the cost a bit, Rodriguez says. But plumbers can and do install these systems as fire sprinkler contractors only can run the sprinkler and sprinkler pipe. A licensed plumber is required to connect to the cold-water fixtures.<br>
“With multipurpose, the cold water supplying the fire sprinklers also supplies domestic plumbing cold water,” Smith explains. “So the PEX is installed in loops and connected with tees, etc., to balance the system.”<br>
Uponor’s Fire Safety Design Department can prepare stamped and certified designs for contractors who don’t have a qualified designer on staff. When Richard’s Plumbing gets a plumbing and sprinkler job, it supplies an Uponor designer with the basic information needed for the design and calculations, such as available water pressure, available size of the supply pipe, distances covered to any given fire sprinkler and the type of sprinkler to be used. Uponor then provides a floor plan with size and sprinkler-head locations. The plan is then sent to the city of Fresno for approval.<br>
“In a tract development, there may be four to eight different floor plans,” Smith notes. “So we can use the Uponor sprinkler design in a similar house within the development, not just on one home. That makes it cost-effective for us.”<br>
Uponor requires every home sprinkler system have a field-conducted flow test where sprinklers discharge water into buckets, the water volume is measured, and a verification form is filled out and signed by the contractor.<br>
Local requirements<br>
Most jurisdictions require a licensed plumber for multipurpose fire sprinkler installations. Some states have considered a second requirement — a C16 fire sprinkler license. As previously mentioned, California did require C16 certification but has since eliminated the requirement. Minnesota also considered a special level of certification, Rodriguez notes, but legislators decided they didn’t want to limit who can install the systems if they decide to mandate them for new home construction.<br>
Other states may have special licenses or certifications, or they may not. “It’s important for plumbing contractors to find out what is required in the area they are working in,” Rodriguez says. “Some of that information can be found at www.firesprinklerinitiative.org.”<br>
Regardless if your jurisdiction requires fire sprinkler certification, your technicians need to be trained on sprinkler installation. Uponor requires its plumbing contractor clients to attend its AquaSAFE training classes before placing even one sprinkler inside a home. Two levels of training are available: Level One, which is classroom-based training on how to read NFPA 13D; and Level Two, which is hands-on training at a building site or at the corporate training center in Apple Valley, Minn.<br>
Rodriguez says that while some states, such as Wisconsin, may provide training for plumbers on home multipurpose systems, much of the education in the industry is geared toward commercial sprinkler solutions. This includes the NFPA, the National Fire Sprinkler Association and the American Fire Sprinkler Association.<br>
Plumbing contractors will need a different kind of insurance coverage to enter into the fire sprinkler business, Rodriguez says, so they’ll need to talk to their insurance company and find out what their options are.<br>
Fire sprinkler services can be a lucrative add-on to a business. “It’s been great for us, another piece of the pie,” Smith says. “While we’re in the house doing the domestic plumbing, we’re also including the fire sprinkler system. So it’s a matter of one contract instead of two for the builder, and time savings for the homeowner.”<br>
</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-64296736577693302362016-07-30T21:04:00.001-07:002016-07-30T21:05:27.368-07:00Successful Contractors must learn to P.A.N.I.C. Why You Must Lear... https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/277552?utm_source=EDailyAndroid&utm_medium=related&utm_campaign=syndicationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-57389612334288208932016-07-27T15:26:00.001-07:002016-07-27T15:26:30.692-07:00Annual ROI of a City Tree<p dir="ltr">***THE ANNUAL COST TO KEEP A TREE ALIVE IN A U.S. CITY $19. FOR EVERY DOLLAR SPENT, WE REAP $5.82 IN BENEFITS....****</p>
<p dir="ltr">Feel feel to read more below and click the link for the full article..... I am going to plant a few trees!! #prochek @prochekhomeinsp #homeinspector #buildinginspectorny #buildinginspectorct #treevalue #homeowner #homebuyer #homeseller #1sttimehomebuyer #honestinspectioncompany #westchesterrealestate #fairfieldcountyrealestate ##homeinspectorct #inspection #engineeringinspection<br></p>
<p dir="ltr">Researchers from the US Forest Service and the University of California at Davis have calculated that the annual cost to keep a city tree alive is $19. For every dollar spent, they say, we reap $5.82 in benefits—a pretty good return on investment. The benefits include everything from providing shade—and thus reducing the urban heat island effect—to mitigating air pollution, retaining stormwater and reducing peak flows, and increasing real estate prices<br></p>
<p dir="ltr">http://foresternetwork.com/daily/water/stormwater/how-much-is-a-tree-worth/?mqsc=E3843854&utm_source=WhatCountsEmail&utm_medium=Forester%20FullForester%20Daily%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=FDN-07272016-Energy</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-47207462753867758002016-05-24T22:35:00.001-07:002016-05-24T22:35:57.128-07:003 Important Roles of HomeownersCheck out @Prochekhomeinsp's Tweet: https://twitter.com/Prochekhomeinsp/status/735342820790312960?s=09Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-50418920964376402182016-05-06T06:37:00.001-07:002016-05-06T06:37:27.359-07:00Ever Wonder what's happening in the chamber of your oil fired boiler?<p dir="ltr">Check out the photos below of a Burnham Oil fired Boiler at work and also,at rest once the desired temp is reached. <br>
</p>
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Lead in Water is on the rise b/c many are unaware the Lead content comes from the homes internal plumbing system</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="Lead in Water is on the rise b/c many are unaware the Lead content comes from the homes internal plumbing system http://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2016/05/05/lead-water-new-rochelle-school/83960972/">http://www.lohud.com/story/news/education/2016/05/05/lead-water-new-rochelle-school/83960972/</a></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-73077402676960686082016-05-02T21:15:00.001-07:002016-05-02T21:18:49.230-07:00On-Site Wastewater Specialists (NY & CT) coming soon.... Professional Licensed Westchester County Septic Contractor and PSMA Septic and Sewer Line Inspections in NY and CT<p dir="ltr"><br>
Septic and sewer line inspections coming soon. Keep an eye out for the launch of On-Site Wastewater Specialists (NY & CT) and contact us for your Septic Inspections...</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA) is a trade association for companies that are involved with the following: septic systems, on-lot sewage disposal systems, on-site sewage disposal systems, individual wastewater treatment systems, anaerobic treatment tanks, aerobic treatment tanks, cesspools, seepage pits, septics, seepage beds, trench systems, elevated sand mounds, peat filters, Biomicrobics® and Ecoflo® units, subsurface sand filters, drip irrigation systems, recirculating sand filters, Zabel™ filters, at-grade systems, IRSIS or individual residential spray irrigation systems, holding tanks, privies, septic inspections, onlot wastewater treatment system inspection, real estate transfer inspection, grease traps, grease pits, system installations, system maintenance, chlorinators, UV lamps and all related issues.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We are glad that you found our web site! We appreciate other web sites that have chosen to link to this site.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You will find explanations of PSMA/NOF's Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Inspection Standards on many web sites. Do not be misled. Because an inspection company has a link to this site, does not mean that the company is a PSMA member or employs a PSMA/NOF certified inspector</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FJCLuGCucdXZzm-e4eiEWhConKSj7o4Qt58bz9YAXpVRgTgQz0R2nG85HIQi8ZP7BVqpzOb2nHec_HzhFACgWdpD8ab_YpTi58_QCcIyAlZudrvVkAsoGea45pl7WI0GYBTCcxMcN82d/s1600/0428161714-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FJCLuGCucdXZzm-e4eiEWhConKSj7o4Qt58bz9YAXpVRgTgQz0R2nG85HIQi8ZP7BVqpzOb2nHec_HzhFACgWdpD8ab_YpTi58_QCcIyAlZudrvVkAsoGea45pl7WI0GYBTCcxMcN82d/s640/0428161714-1.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81iqBt9KPXJZPheeAe_bW9iiPz0Shp2Cv8p5Lc-Onjkdt1TTBCBetYqy0SFIveqkomGTiQGIXW-1cllx4HUD15jKfEZBWn4ArIrevtg8WTTO1JoxboW-chQVeMzpSwZTGOZl_SmUdseC0/s1600/0428161714a-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81iqBt9KPXJZPheeAe_bW9iiPz0Shp2Cv8p5Lc-Onjkdt1TTBCBetYqy0SFIveqkomGTiQGIXW-1cllx4HUD15jKfEZBWn4ArIrevtg8WTTO1JoxboW-chQVeMzpSwZTGOZl_SmUdseC0/s640/0428161714a-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-43077693980112022712016-02-19T07:28:00.001-08:002016-02-19T07:28:11.658-08:00House Flipping: A Guide For SuccessHouse Flipping: A Guide For Success <span class="itemDateCreated" style="font-size: 12px;"><!-- Item Author --> <span class="itemDateCreated" style="font-size: 12px;"> <!-- --></span><!-- Date created --><span class="itemDateCreated" style="font-size: 12px;"> </span> </span><br />
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Flipping a house means buying a home with the intention of fixing it up and selling it within six months for a profit. Americans flipped 26,947 single-family homes in Q3 2014, accounting for 4 percent of all home sales in that period, according to real estate data firm Realtytrac. The average gross return for investors was $75,990 per home, up 2 percent from Q2. <!-- THE AD INSIDE THE ARTICLE --> <div class="mobileNo">
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Flipping houses can be profitable, particularly when home values are rising and interest rates remain at historically low levels. The Federal Housing Administration stopped enforcing anti-flipping regulations—which prohibited insuring any home for less than 90 days—in 2010. If you're looking to get into the home flipping business, follow these four guidelines for the best chance of success.<br />
<strong>Build a Bankroll</strong><br />
Everything in life requires money, and house flipping is no exception. You could take out loans to buy properties, but then you are just creating debt in the hopes of making money. A smart house flipper who wants to profit immediately will often use his or her own money.<br />
The best way to build a bankroll is by saving over time. Consider selling your own home if the proceeds will pay off the mortgage and leave you with enough to get started. Those currently receiving regular payments from a structured settlement or annuity can consider selling their future payments to a company like <a href="http://www.jgwentworth.com/">J.G. Wentworth </a>for a lump sum of cash now. Make sacrifices like selling off an extra vehicle, disconnecting cable television and giving up the $5 lattes in the morning to pad your bankroll further.<br />
<strong>Buy at Discount</strong><br />
You'll make the most money if you buy a house for less than its actual value at the time of purchase. The best way to do this is by seeking out motivated sellers. These are people who need to sell quickly to relocate for a job or simply need to make fast money.<br />
Use your social media networks to generate referrals. Inform friends and followers that you are looking to buy properties. Knocking on doors in prime neighborhoods can also generate leads—target homes with "for sale" signs and distressed properties that appear neglected.<br />
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<strong>Location, Location</strong><br />
The total value of all homes in the U.S. was $27.5 trillion at the end of 2014, according to data compiled by Zillow. That represents a 6.7 percent increase from 2013 and the third consecutive year of positive gains. But certain markets are doing even better.<br />
Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Orlando and Las Vegas experienced the largest gains for 2014, with each up at least 11.5 percent on the year. These markets offer the largest margin for error for those flipping homes, particularly with a <a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/2014/12/27/my-totally-accuarate-2015-predictions/">major housing market correction </a>being predicted by several economists for 2015. This is mostly due to the Federal Reserve ceasing its quantitative easing program and no longer artificially inflating the markets.<br />
A good rule of thumb when buying in areas that experienced low or negative year-over-year home value change (i.e., Indianapolis and Phoenix) is to only purchase homes at 10 percent or more below current market value.<br />
<strong>DIY Where Possible</strong><br />
You'll likely need to hire plumbers, electricians and other contractors to tackle major home improvements. But the more you do yourself, the higher your profits will be. You and a few friends can install new sinks and countertops and even shingle a roof. Youtube has hundreds of instructional videos that cover everything from replacing water heaters to installing shower faucets. Creative landscaping can increase the value of a property by 13 percent, according to a study by Virginia Tech University. The DIY Network has several ideas for <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/topics/landscaping/index.html">easy landscaping projects </a>that anybody with a little ambition can complete.<br />
House flipping is a cyclical endeavor that is only profitable when economic conditions are positive. Now is a great time to get started.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-36989233189323453262016-01-08T12:43:00.001-08:002016-01-08T12:43:19.320-08:00What is the BEST Advice a Professional Home Inspector could ever give to their Clients????<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">READ YOUR REPORTS & FOLLOW </span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">EVERY DIRECTION AND </span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">RECOMMENDATION FOR SPECIALIST</span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"> EVALUATION AND REPAIR PRIOR TO CLOSING</span></u></strong></div>
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE... </span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">THIS IS THE LARGEST INVESTMENT OF YOUR LIFE, DO NOT BE SHY. SPEAK UP AND PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INVESTMENT.</span></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-10468402825699619472016-01-08T12:37:00.001-08:002016-01-08T12:37:28.412-08:00Buying a home? Don't make these costly mistakes<h1 class="title" itemprop="name">
Buying a home? Don't make these costly mistakes</h1>
<div class="source" itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person">
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/landon-dowdy/" itemprop="url" rel="author">Landon Dowdy</a> | <span class="twitter-url"><a href="http://twitter.com/@LandonDowdyCNBC">@LandonDowdyCNBC</a></span> </div>
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/02/">http://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/02/</a><br />
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The housing market is still going strong and millennials are a big factor. <br />
Total <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/07/mortgage-applications-surge-25-on-regulation-worry.html" target="_blank">mortgage application volume</a> surged 25.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis for the week ending Oct. 2 compared to the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. A<span>pplications to refinance and to purchase homes</span> are now at the highest level in five years. <br />
Millennials represent the largest share of homebuyers, according to an analysis by the <a class="inline_asset" href="http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2015/03/nar-generational-survey-millennials-lead-all-buyers-most-likely-to-use-real-estate-agent" target="_blank">National Association of Realtors</a>. Nearly one-third of all homebuyers, and 68 percent of first-time buyers, were 34 or younger last year. <a class="inline_asset" href="http://twitter.com/share?url=http://www.cnbc.com/id/102722716/&text=68 percent of first-time homebuyers were 34 or younger last year&via=CNBC" target="_blank"><strong>(Tweet This)</strong> </a> And those numbers are expected to grow. <span><br /></span><br />
Buying your first home or know someone who is? Here are three common, and potentially costly, mistakes to avoid. <br />
<br /><br />
<span><strong>Mistake #1: Overestimating what you can afford. </strong></span> <br />
<span>Real estate brokers say first-time buyers often focus on the down payment and monthly mortgage amount when calculating how much they can afford and forget to factor in closing and other costs. </span> <br />
<span>"They get to the closing and they're shocked by the amount of money they have to pay," said Vicki Fillet, certified financial planner and president at Blueprint Financial Planning in Hoboken, New Jersey. </span><span><br /></span><br />
It's important to remember too that monthly payments include not just the mortgage, but interest, taxes and insurance—something that buyers can often forget when figuring out their budgets. <br />
<span>It's a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan so you know how much a bank is willing to lend you before you make an offer on a home. But keep in mind that t</span><span>he amount you're pre-approved to borrow from a mortgage lender may be more than you can actually afford once you factor in taxes, insurance and other costs like condo or homeowners' association fees and maintenance. </span><br />
<br />
<span>As a general guideline, your total monthly payment (including mortgage principal, interest, real estate taxes and homeowners insurance) shouldn't exceed 28 percent of your gross, or pretax, income. </span> <br />
While some sellers are still asking for 20 percent down payments, it's possible to pay much less. Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/08/low-down-payment-mortgages-back-for-buyers.html" target="_blank">guidelines</a> late last year for loans with down payments as low as 3 percent under a new program largely aimed at first-time homebuyers. Just remember that the lower your down payment, the bigger your mortgage loan (and the more you'll pay in interest). <br />
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<strong>Mistake #2: Letting your emotions get the best of you.</strong> <br />
<span>Don't get so attached that you buy with your heart and not your head. "It's difficult not to get emotionally attached. Homeownership is an investment in your future," said</span><span> </span>Chris Polychron, president of the National Association of Realtors.<br />
<br />
<span>But be careful. Get too emotionally attached and it can set you up to spend more than you can afford. </span> <br />
Cathy Moyano of Coccia Realty in Kearny, New Jersey, recommends prioritizing what you want in your home. Make a list of the most important qualities, whether you want a certain school district, updated bathrooms, a backyard, etc. Then figure out what you aren't willing to give up. You won't find the perfect home that meets your entire list so narrowing it down to what matters most can help you through your search process. <br />
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A real estate agent can help facilitate the searching and buying process. Using apps and sites like <a class="inline_asset" href="http://www.zillow.com/" target="_blank">Zillow</a>, <a class="inline_asset" href="http://www.trulia.com/" target="_blank">Trulia</a>, <a class="inline_asset" href="http://streeteasy.com/" target="_blank">StreetEasy</a> and <a class="inline_asset" href="https://www.redfin.com/" target="_blank">Redfin</a> can also help speed up your search. <br />
<br />
<strong>Mistake #3: Not planning ahead.</strong> <br />
Once you've narrowed the search and you are ready to make on offer, check with your agent about the demand. Is the home getting multiple offers? Has it sat on the market a long time? Will it require a lot of upgrades? <br />
<br />
Make sure you get a thorough inspection. Fillet said buyers often don't get an inspector with expertise to check the pipes, the plumbing, or air conditioning. You want someone who knows what they are doing, not just an inspector from the real estate broker, she said. <br />
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Remember the resale opportunities. Consider the school district, Fillet said, because even if you don't have children or plan on having any, the next buyer might. <br />
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Don't overly improve the property either or "over customize to your personal taste," Moyano said. "Let's say you've painted your dining room purple, before you sell it, paint it back to a neutral color. This sounds like a little thing, but it does leave an impact on when you're showing homes." </div>
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<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/landon-dowdy/"><img alt="Landon Dowdy" height="60" src="http://fm.cnbc.com/applications/cnbc.com/resources/img/editorial/2015/09/22/103016555-Dowdy_Landon_Head.60x60.jpg?v=1442931376" title="Landon Dowdy" width="60" /></a><div class="reporter-info">
<span class="name"><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/landon-dowdy/">Landon Dowdy</a></span><span class="title">Reporter</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-23426598446114379752015-09-15T20:51:00.001-07:002015-09-15T20:51:51.692-07:00Sagging or Uneven or 'Wavy' Floors??<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sagging-floors.jpg"><br>
<i>Crawl space foundations are a very popular type of construction throughout the Midwest.  Homeowners of crawlspaces know that they have one common problem – sagging floors. Floors that are sagging or unlevel create many issues for homeowners including cracked tiles, squeaky floors,  and bouncy or wavy floors. These issues require that homeowners seek a solution for supporting these floors to its original position or height. The problem homeowner’s face is that there are many flawed repairs.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Crawlspace Floor Construction</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">The first thing to consider when looking for floor supports is to understand the cause of the problem. In the construction of a crawlspace foundation, piers are placed below the support beams to give support for the beam and the rest of the floor components.  Floor Joists are placed on top of the sill plate and the beam to support the sub-floor and the home.  The problem is that all of these floor systems can fail causing the uneven floors.  A solution must address the exact problem you are experiencing.  All too often, companies have a one size fits all approach with sagging floor repair, and it very rarely will completely fix the problem.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>What causes my sagging, uneven floors?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Problem: Support Piers or Columns Fail</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/support-piers.jpg">Support piers can be made from concrete blocks, metal post jacks, or wooden posts. These piers rest upon either shallow concrete pads or lightly compacted soils. Over time these piers move with the soil due to fluctuation in soils moisture or soil compaction from the lack of a proper<a href="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/crawlspace-waterproofing/crawlspace-drainage-system/">drainage system in the crawlspace</a>. As the pier sinks into the soil, the beam will start to sag causing the uneven and wavy floors.  Also, the beam can be over spanned between the piers causing the beam and floors to be wavy.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Solution</b>: Additional piers with proper footings, and if necessary, a drainage system to prevent the saturation of the soil around the footings.  Sometimes with minor settlement, the problem lies with the shims between the beam and the support column.  A quick repair is to replace these wooden shims with steel. <b>Warning</b>, additional piers is the most common “one size fits all” solution by contractors, but it is NOT the most common cause of sagging floors.  This problem mainly deals with the middle of the home.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Problem: Floor Joist Failure</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Floor Joist vary in size and type of material.  The most common floor joist we see in the field are 2×8′s and 2×10′s.  Over time in a vented crawlspace, the joist will weaken due to the high humidity levels in the crawlspace.  Once the joist is softened from moisture, it will sag between the sill plate and the beam.  Another common problem is the over spanning of the floor joist. Load bearing walls may be mistakenly built offset of a joist causing the wall to sag between the joist.  Wood rot and termite damage may cause the joist to deteriorate and sink into the sill plate or beam below it.  As you can see there are many problems that occur with floor joist systems.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Solution:</b>  Each floor joist problem will require different solutions.  <a href="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/crawlspace-foundation/floor-joist-repair/">Floor joist repair</a> can be very difficult and only experienced professionals should work on your home. Damaged joists must have a new full or sister joist installed next to the old joist.  The over spanned joist cannot be remedied by a new joist.  The joists will require helper beams with support piers placed in the middle of the span to reduce the load the joist is enduring.  The load bearing walls that are offset will need a new floor joist installed directly under the load of the wall.  The joist that is sagging from moisture may require different solutions but ultimately will require adry, encapsulated crawlspace.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Problem: Beam Failure</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/beam-failure.jpg">Center and support beams are constructed of varying materials including wood joists sandwiched together, block lintels, or steel I Beams.  Most of the failure in center beams revolve around the wood beams.  As with joists, moisture problems in the crawlspace can cause them to sag or rot.  When the beams rot or experience termite damage, they will begin to sink down over the piers.  When the beam compresses over the piers, the wall and floor above will sink causing drywall cracks and uneven floors.  The beam will also sag just like the joists if they are spanned too far a distance between piers.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Solution:</b>  A damaged center beam or girder from rot or termite damage will have to be completely replace with a new beam.<a href="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/crawlspace-foundation/center-beam-repair/"> Center Beam Repair</a> is a very tedious and difficult process, and should not be installed by anyone other than experienced professionals.  As for over spanning and minor sagging problems, the beams will require a new pier in between the load to lift the sag out of the beam.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Problem: Sill Plate Failure</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">A crawlspace sill plate is usually composed of 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 lumber and is anchored to the foundation wall, often with J-bolts.  The sill plate SHOULD be at least 6 inches above the finished grade and be composed of treated lumber.  In older homes, the sill plates were not treated and were too close to the finished grade.  The main problems of sill plate failure are from wood rot and termite damage. Once the sill plate is weakened, the floor joist will begin to compress into the plate.  As a result, you will see baseboards separating from the floor, windows and doors that stick or will not open, and dry wall cracks.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Solution:</b> <a href="http://www.crawlspacecompany.com/crawlspace-foundation/sill-plate-repair/">Sill Plate Repair</a> is difficult because the home has to be lifted sometimes up to two inches to install a new plate.  Many contractors will put in a new plate and just notch the joist leaving the home where it has dropped.  This method is common and unethical.  The only repair for sill plate damage should be to bring the home to its original position and install the exact same size sill plate.<br></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-78062225948365064242015-09-11T19:50:00.001-07:002015-09-11T19:50:47.919-07:005 Big Homebuyer Mistakes of their Home Inspection<p dir="ltr"><br>
A home inspection is one of the most important steps you can take to make sure your new home is a sound investment and a safe place to live.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But, many people don't fully understand what happens in a home inspection or what they need to do to get the most out of it. Find out what inspectors say are the five biggest mistakes buyers make during the home inspection, and how you can avoid these potentially pricey pitfalls.<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Mistake No. 1: Not having new construction inspected<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Even experienced homebuyers sometimes make this rookie mistake. They assume that because a home has passed all local codes and ordinances, it must be in good shape. Don't be so sure, says Jim Troth, owner of Habitation Investigation LLC, a Mechanicsburg, Ohio, home inspection company. Troth once inspected a brand new home that had just passed the final municipal and county building inspections. But when he explored the crawl space beneath the house, he discovered someone had removed about 3 feet of the home's main support beam to accommodate duct work.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"The house was already beginning to sink in that area," he says.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The moral of the story: Don't assume your builder -- or the contractors -- did everything right just because the home passed code. An inspector is your last line of defense against major defects that could quite literally sink your financial future.<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Mistake No. 2: Choosing an inspector for the wrong reasons<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">When you choose an inspector, you're selecting the professional who will give one of your biggest investments a full physical checkup. You want to choose someone you know who is competent, thorough and trustworthy. Unfortunately, too many buyers just go with the cheapest inspection company.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"The least expensive person is often the person with the least experience, ability and technical savvy," says Aaron Flook, owner of Pittsburgh-based A.M. Inspection Services LLC.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Always ask about licensing, professional affiliations and credentials, and whether the inspector carries errors and omissions insurance.<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Mistake No. 3: Not going along on the inspection<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">The report you get from the inspector doesn't give you nearly as clear a picture of the condition of the house as you might think.  Flook says buyers who don't go along on the inspection can overemphasize minor problems, or worse, not realize how serious a defect is.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I did one inspection where the buyer didn't come along, and he ended up getting worked up about first-floor plugs that weren't grounded and completely ignored that the hot water tank was drafting carbon monoxide," Flook says. "You really need to go along with the inspector, ask questions and listen when he gives you his professional opinion on the house."<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Mistake No. 4: Not following up on the inspector's recommendations<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Sometimes, buyers don't follow up on items discovered in the inspection before they close. Like the man who didn't grasp that the carbon monoxide coming from his water heater was a big problem, you may not realize how much it will cost to fix a given defect. Often inspectors will recommend buyers get an issue evaluated further, but the buyers wait to do it until after closing, says Kathleen Kuhn, president of the inspection company HouseMaster of Bound Brook, N.J.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"If buyers wait to have a system evaluated until after closing, it can turn out to be more expensive or a bigger deal than what they anticipated," Kuhn says.  Kuhn says you should always get several estimates on repairs before closing.<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Mistake No. 5: Expecting your home inspector to be a psychic<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">No matter how experienced or skilled your home inspector is, he can't see the future. "Home inspectors don't have crystal balls, so they can't specifically predict when an aging system will fail," Kuhn says. "Sometimes, optimistic homebuyers think a system still has a few good years just because there aren't visible signs of malfunction at the time of inspection."</p>
<p dir="ltr">A home inspector can tell you that an air conditioning system like the one in the home you're buying usually only lasts 10 years, and yours is 11 years old. But he can't tell you when it will fail. That's when you need to follow up with people who know more about each specific system about which you have questions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And remember, the home inspector is hired by you. He's there to give you an honest, straight opinion about the house.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"The inspector is one of the few people in the buying process whose income doesn't depend on the home closing," Troth says. "They're paid to inspect, not to sell. So they're in a better position to be neutral.<br>
 </p>
<p dir="ltr">Article credit - bankrate.com</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-13186040225973257202015-09-08T19:29:00.001-07:002015-09-08T19:29:09.461-07:00Inground Pool Cost of Ownership: Fiberglass vs Concrete vs Vinyl<p dir="ltr">If you are considering purchasing an inground pool, you’re probably wondering what maintenance costs you can expect to encounter as the years pass on.  As you’ll see, the answer to that question largely depends on the type of pool you choose:  concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Cost of Owning a Concrete Pool</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Concrete Pools have the highest cost of ownership.  This is due to several factors.  First, because the surface of a concrete pool is extremely porous, it harbors algae and this means two things to concrete pool owners:  more chemical usage and running the pump and filter for longer periods of time.  Of course, consuming both more chemicals and electricity equals more money spent.  Also, because concrete pools require more maintenance, many concrete pool owners chose to have a pool company service their pool on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Secondly, concrete pools require acid washing every three to six years at a cost of around $500 a pop depending on the location.  This is another consequence of algae embedding into the pool surface.  Acid washing is a treatment that requires draining the pool and cleaning the surface with a mild acid solution to kill spores and therefore prevent what’s known as an algae bloom.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Finally, most concrete pools require resurfacing and re-tiling about every 10-15 years at a cost of $10,000 or more. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Cost of Owning a Vinyl Liner Pool</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Vinyl Liner Pools are unlike concrete pools in that they do not require the time or money investment to battle algae.  However, despite their low initial cost, vinyl pool owners should be prepared to fork out $4,000 or more every five to twelve years when it’s time to replace the liner.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What about the 20 year liner warranty you ask?  Read the fine print my friend.  It only covers where the liner is seamed together and then on an extremely pro-rated schedule…and then the warranty does not cover labor to replace the liner or the cost of water to re-fill the pool. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Cost of Owning a Fiberglass Pool  </b>  </p>
<p dir="ltr">Fiberglass Pools have the lowest cost of ownership of any inground pool for several reasons.  First, fiberglass pools require less chemicals and filter run time because the surface of the pool is non-porous therefore inhibiting the growth of algae.  This equates to about 70% less chemical usage than concrete pools.  Furthermore, because fiberglass pools are so easy to maintain, fiberglass pool owners typically opt to maintain their own pool instead of hiring a pool service company. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Second, the majority of fiberglass pools that are properly built and maintained require no significant maintenance to the pool shell for at least the first 20 or 30 years.  With no liner to replace or need to acid wash, this leaves the pool owner with only the year to year costs of electricity and chemicals. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Without question, each type of inground pool has its advantages.  But when it comes to lifetime cost of ownership, fiberglass pools take the cake….hands down!</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-5202361570393105022015-09-07T22:03:00.001-07:002015-09-07T22:06:54.487-07:005 Great Made-in-America Home Improvement Ideas<p dir="ltr"><br>
<b>5 Great Made-in-America Home Improvement Ideas</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">By<br>
<a href="http://www.realtor.com/author/chrystalcaruthers/">Chrystal Caruthers</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">1:00 pm ET<br>
September 4, 2015</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://rdcnewscdn.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Exterior-Door-e1441338864510.jpg"><a href="http://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/5-made-in-america-home-improvement-ideas/"></a></p>
<p dir="ltr">Simpson Door Co.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The made-in-America movement is going <i>strong</i> these days: We’re producing more of our own energy, more of our own cars, and more of our own manufacturing jobs. In fact, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/gallery/autos/2015/07/01/most-american-cars/">even foreign automotive brands</a> have adopted the “Made in America” credo. So as we head into Labor Day weekend, let’s take a moment to appreciate great pieces for your home that were proudly made in the U.S. of A! And let’s do it state by glorious state!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Made in Florida:</b> When wire hangers and a single hanging rod won’t do, ClosetMaid offers <a href="http://www.closetmaid.com/en-US/Pages/offers.aspx">SuiteSymphony</a>, a step up from the standard closet but not quite the stuff of this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/two-story-closet-in-texas/">two-story Chanel-inspired closet</a>. ClosetMaid, the inventor of wire closet shelving, offers a new weathered wood-look product that is manufactured in Florida. “Sixty-one percent of all recent home buyers will upgrade their closet systems within 18 months,” says <b>Lisa Engel</b>, vice president of consumer business at ClosetMaid. With a $2,000 investment, she says, homeowners can create their own version of a <a href="http://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/what-is-a-glam-room-the-hot-new-luxury-trend-not/">glam room</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://rdcnewscdn.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/SuiteSymphony.jpg">SuiteSymphony line</p>
<p dir="ltr">ClosetMaid</p>
<p dir="ltr">———</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Made in Pennsylvania:</b> Want the look of stone without having to endure cold feet? That’s the promise of <a href="http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/alterna.asp">Alterna Luxury Vinyl</a> by Armstrong. Bonus: This composite flooring uses stone mined in Illinois then assembled in Pennsylvania—making it doubly American! The <a href="http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/luxury-vinyl/allegheny-slate-copper-mountain-resilient-vinyl-tile-D4332/floor-134102.asp">Allegheny Slate</a>flooring shown below costs about $600 to $700 for about 100 square feet.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Allegheny-Slate-Flooring.jpg"><a href="http://rdcnewscdn.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Allegheny-Slate-Flooring.jpg"></a>Alterna Luxury Vinyl flooring in Allegheny Slate</p>
<p dir="ltr">Armstrong</p>
<p dir="ltr">———</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Made in Ohio:</b> OK, let’s just put it out there: There’s nothing sexy about shopping for a new toilet. Yet, when it’s time to replace your water-guzzling throne, why not seek an eco-friendly one made in none other than the Buckeye State? <a href="http://www.mansfieldplumbing.com/why-mansfield/made-in-usa/">Mansfield Plumbing</a> is based in<a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Perrysville_OH">Perrysville</a> and produces an extensive line of well-priced water-saving toilets.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Mansfield-Brentwood.jpg"><a href="http://rdcnewscdn.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Mansfield-Brentwood.jpg"></a>Brentwood bathroom collection</p>
<p dir="ltr">Mansfield Plumbing</p>
<p dir="ltr">———</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Made in Washington: </b>Fun fact: Nothing can up your curb appeal and <a href="http://www.realtor.com/advice/5-remodeling-projects-will-boost-homes-value/">recoup your reno budget</a> as quickly as replacing your front door. <a href="http://www.simpsondoor.com/find-a-door/">Simpson Door Co.</a> has been crafting solid-wood doors from Douglas fir, Nootka cypress, and other woods native to the Pacific Northwest since 1912. Most of its most popular exterior doors are made in<a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Mccleary_WA">McCleary</a> and now include water protection as a standard feature rather than an upgrade. Even if you don’t decide to buy—a door like this one can set you back about $1,800—play around with their design-a-door tools to get some inspiration.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Exterior-Door.jpg"><a href="http://rdcnewscdn.realtor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Exterior-Door.jpg"></a>Solano® III Exterior Door in Douglas fir</p>
<p dir="ltr">Simpson Door Co.</p>
<p dir="ltr">———</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Made in Kentucky:</b> Wait, so this <a href="http://www.geappliances.com/appliances/refrigerators/cafe-hot-water-french-door-refrigerator/">new GE fridge will brew my morning coffee</a>? Sign me up! This latest in creature comforts just might be the most satisfying, especially if<a href="http://www.philzcoffee.com/">Philz Coffee</a> develops a K-Cup. This new french door Cafe Series refrigerator has an in-door hot water dispenser fitted with a Keurig brewing system. Genius! You’ll need to wait until fall for this upgrade, and it will set you back about $3,300—but it’s coffee dispensed like water from your fridge. Now that’s American.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><br></p><p dir="ltr">#homeinspection #homeimprovement</p><p dir="ltr">#prochek #ctinspection #nyinspection</p><p dir="ltr">#homebuyer #engineeringinspection</p><p dir="ltr">#realestate #prochekhomeinspectionsservicesisakeyparttoahomebuyersteam</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-10954595324224110162015-09-07T21:46:00.001-07:002015-09-07T21:46:17.321-07:00How to tell if you may need a new roof<p dir="ltr">How to tell if you may need a new roof</p>
<p dir="ltr">One of the questions that any home owner should be asking themselves if they have a roof that is getting up there in age is <i>“how do I know if I need a new roof”?</i> Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, for obvious reasons. Without it you would be left with four walls and a foundation – not enough to provide much comfort or protection from the elements. Like everything though, a roof will wear out over time.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As a homeowner you need to be aware of the state of yours and whether it needs repairs or replacement, especially if you have any plans on selling the home. Knowing whether you need a new roof prior to selling becomes important so you have a sound strategy in place.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Working as a Massachusetts Realtor for the past twenty seven years, one of the things that becomes a bone of contention more than any other when <a href="http://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/negotiate-issues-home-inspection/">negotiating home inspection issues</a> is a worn roof. Of course from a home owners perspective if there is any amount of years left on the roof they want to do nothing. The buyer of course when told there is very little roof life wants to negotiate for a new one.</p>
<p dir="ltr">While the quickest way to find out the state of your roof would be to call a roofing contractor for an inspection prior to putting your home on the market, you do not necessarily need to pay someone else to do periodic checkups.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You can look for signs of damage yourself. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should examine their roofs in both the spring and the fall. Mark a time on your calendar for spring and fall and perform the following checks as necessary. <i>Read on and you will discover the best ways of how to tell if you need a new roof or not.</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Interior Roof Check</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">One of the first ways how to tell if you need a new roof is to get into the attic. The interior check is fairly easy to do as long as you have access to the attic and a good flashlight. Invest in a good light because you want to be able to see fine details. Even the best flashlight is far cheaper than replacing your roof, so get something that will give you all the light you need to search the attic.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you get up there, look around for four particular signs of roof troubles:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Light shining in from outside –</b> This is the easiest problem to discover, even without a flashlight. Any light shining in through your roof from outside is a problem that should be addressed immediately. If light is getting through, so is moisture.<b>Sagging Areas – </b>If there is a sag in your roof this will be one of the easier ways to tell if you need a new roof. Sagging is a definite indication of structural issues. Something has given way, either due to external pressure from outside or from moisture damage to the wood that makes up your roof.<b>Dark Spots or Trails – </b>Dark areas and trails are an indication that moisture is penetrating your roof somewhere and probably <a href="http://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/need-know-mold-selling-home/">creating mold</a> in the process. Moisture will eventually cause real problems, both with your roof and with the interior of your home.<b>Leaks or Water Damage – </b>If you actually see a leak or obvious water damage it is time to call in a roofing repair company. Water causes damage and it is important to patch any leaks as soon as possible.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The are all sure fire ways to tell if you need a new roof or not.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Exterior Roof Check</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Another way of checking to see if you need a new roof is to actually take a trip up onto your roof. Getting onto the roof should be able can give you a good idea of the state of the exterior. Keep in mind that even an eight-foot drop can cause serious injuries, so make sure your ladder is secure and that you are very, very careful while looking around. Also, avoid walking on your roof if it is made out of easily damaged materials such as tile.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Look for Damage – </b>Major damage to roofing materials should be fairly obvious. Shingles will split, crack and warp if they get too old, while tile will break if it has been damaged by hail. If your roof is older and there is visible damage it is far easier to tell if you need a new roof.<b>Look for Moisture Problems – </b>Mold and other moisture related problems could wreak just as much damage outside as in. A bad shingle can allow moisture to sit instead of shedding it down the roof. Keep in mind that water will flow down, so you may have to track the problem higher up.<b>Shingle Granules – </b>As your shingles age they will shed more and more granules. If they are getting too old you will likely find excessive amounts of granules in your gutters. This is a sure fire way to tell if you need a new roof sooner rather than later.<b>Look for Wear – </b>Roofing materials around chimneys and vents can wear over time, so keep an eye out for any issues here.<b>Check Your Drainage – </b>Your gutters and downspouts are an important component of your home and should be cleaned a few times a year. Check to make sure they are securely attached and that water is flowing where it should be.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Each of these problems are signs that it may be time to think about getting a roof replacement.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b><b>What If You Find Roof Problems?</b></b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Roof-Replacement-2-e1389988782340.jpg"><a href="http://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Roof-Replacement-2-e1389988782340.jpg"></a>407Just because you find signs of wear does not mean your roof necessarily needs to be replaced. It may just need some repairs done to extend its life. A quality shingle roof should last at least 20 to 30 years, especially with regular maintenance by knowledgeable professionals. If your roof is tile it should be good for quite a bit longer, even up to 100 years before replacement.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Typically an asphalt shingle roof that is architectural grade with last at least 30 years. An architectural shingle looks different than a standard asphalt shingle which looks completely flat when looking from the ground. An architectural shingle has “depth” and most would agree looks much better. These shingles are more expensive and rightly so given how much better they look and the extended roof life they deliver.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you notice an issue, contact a roofing contractor to get an estimate on getting the repair work done. It is usually best to get a few estimates to get an idea of what the cost will be and to feel out several contractors before you commit to one. Get references from them and contact those references before you give the go ahead on the roofing repairs.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If it has been some time since you have examined your roof, or your roof is old enough where replacement is the only option, it is best to bite the bullet and get the work done. There is no denying that having a whole new roof put on is expensive, but it is an investment in your home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It makes the home livable, prevents any further damage from the elements to other parts of the home and makes the property more appealing should you choose to sell it. A new roof is considered by home appraisers in the appraisal process and will appeal to any potential buyer who views your home.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you are going to sell your home however, you may not necessarily want to go out and purchase a new roof. You may be thinking why and the answer is simple. A roof does not have a very good rate of return when selling a home. A buyer is going to expect to purchase a home that has a decent roof but it has been shown over and over again they will not pay extra just because your roof is new. All things being equal a buyer will pay for more tangible things such as an updated kitchen or bath they can use and enjoy daily.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So for example if a new roof on your home is going to cost $10,000 you are more than likely going to be out of luck if you think that adjusting your sale price upwards by $10,000 is going to be acceptable. More than likely you will not get anywhere near a 100 percent return on a roof and in fact far from it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is where your Realtor comes in to give you guidance. More than likely unless your roof is in dire need of replacement the advice will be a wait and see approach. The buyer will more than likely do a home inspection in which the roof will be flagged. This will be the point at which you can negotiate a home inspection settlement with the buyer that in many cases will end up being less than a full replacement. Hopefully you were smart enough to hire a Realtor who has some negotiation skills as this is one of the points in a real estate transaction where they are needed most.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>More Roofing Resources</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Shingles">What are the most popular types of roofing shingles</a> – see some of the more popular types of roofing shingles. Including comparisons between 3 tab and architectural shingles.<a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/how-roofers-calculate-roofing-bid-577600.html?cat=6">How to calculate a roofing bid</a> – see how much a roof should cost to replace.What can you <a href="http://www.angieslist.com/articles/real-cost-new-roof.htm">expect to pay for a new roof</a> by Angies List. See the average cost to replace a roof.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you discover you need a new roof use these roofing resources to help guide your decision making process on what type of shingles you should choose along with expected costs for your roof replacement.</p>
<p dir="ltr">__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________</p>
<p dir="ltr">The above Real Estate information on<b> how to tell if you need a new roof </b>was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. <br><br></p>
<p dir="ltr">http://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/tell-need-new-roof/?utm_content=buffer3704d&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer<br><br></p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-26743507406566740162015-09-03T20:38:00.001-07:002015-09-03T20:38:57.334-07:00How to Maintain your Septic System<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.thesepticinspector.com/uploads/1/7/0/0/17002308/header_images/1387132416.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>How to Maintain Your Septic System</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">If properly designed, constructed and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars.  A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This guide will help you care for your septic system. It will help you understand how your system works and what steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure your system will work properly. To help you learn more, consult the resources listed at the back of this booklet.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Top Four Things You Can Do to Protect Your Septic System</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Regularly <a href="http://www.thesepticinspector.com/request-a-septic-inspection.html">inspect your system</a> and pump your tank as necessary.Use water efficiently.Don’t dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.Care for your drainfield.<b>How does a septic system work?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Components</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Pipe from the home</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">All of your household wastewater exits your home through a pipe to the septic tank.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Septic tank</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Screens are also recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Newer tanks generally have risers with lids at the ground surface to allow easy location, inspection, and pumping of the tank.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Septic system aliases:</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">On-lot systemOnsite systemIndividual sewage disposal systemOnsite sewage disposal systemOnsite wastewater treatment system<b>Tip</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">To prevent buildup, sludge and floating scum need to be removed through periodic pumping of the septic tank. Regular inspections and pumping are the best and cheapest way to keep your septic system in good working order.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Finding Your System</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Your septic tank, drainfield, and reserve drainfield should be clearly designated on the “as-built” drawing for your home. (An “as-built” drawing is a line drawing that accurately portrays the buildings on your property and is usually filed in your local land records.) You might also see lids or manhole covers for your septic tank. Older tanks are often hard to find because there are no visible parts. An inspector/pumper can help you locate your septic system if your septic tank has no risers.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Drainfield</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. The partially treated wastewater is pushed along into the drainfield for further treatment every time new wastewater enters the tank.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If the drainfield is overloaded with too much liquid, it will flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups in plumbing fixtures and prevent treatment of all wastewater.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A reserve drainfield, required by many states, is an area on your property suitable for a new drainfield system if your current drainfield fails. Treat this area with the same care as your septic system.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Soil</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Septic tank wastewater flows to the drainfield, where it percolates into the soil, which provides final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Suitable soil is necessary for successful wastewater treatment.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Alternative systems</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Because many areas don’t have soils suitable for typical septic systems, you might have or need an alternative system. You might also have or need an alternative system if there are too many typical septic systems in one area or the systems are too close to groundwater or surface waters. Alternative septic systems use new technology to improve treatment processes and might need special care and maintenance. Some alternative systems use sand, peat, or plastic media instead of soil to promote wastewater treatment. Other systems might use wetlands, lagoons, aerators, or disinfection devices. Float switches, pumps, and other electrical or mechanical components are often used in alternative systems. Alternative systems should be inspected annually. Check with your local health department or installer for more information on operation and maintenance needs if you have or need an alternative system.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Why should I maintain my septic system?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">When septic systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained, they effectively reduce or eliminate most human health or environmental threats posed by pollutants in household wastewater. However, they require regular maintenance or they can fail. Septic systems need to be monitored to ensure that they work properly throughout their service lives.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Saving money</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected regularly is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need pumping depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Protecting health and the environment</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen, phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants.</p>
<p dir="ltr">With one-fourth of U.S. homes using septic systems, more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater per day is dispersed below the ground’s surface. Inadequately treated sewage from septic systems can be a cause of groundwater contamination. It poses a significant threat to drinking water and human health because it can contaminate drinking water wells and cause diseases and infections in people and animals. Improperly treated sewage that contaminates nearby surface waters also increases the chance of swimmers contracting a variety of infectious diseases. These range from eye and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and diseases like hepatitis.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>How do I maintain my septic system?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Inspect and pump frequently</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">You should have a typical septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped as recommended by the inspector (generally every 3 to 5 years). Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components need to be inspected more often, generally once a year. Your service provider should inspect for leaks and look at the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet tee, your tank needs to be pumped. Remember to note the sludge and scum levels determined by your service provider in your operation and maintenance records. This information will help you decide how often pumping is necessary.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Four major factors influence the frequency of pumping: the number of people in your household, the amount of wastewater generated (based on the number of people in the household and the amount of water used), the volume of solids in the wastewater (for example, using a garbage disposal increases the amount of solids), and septic tank size.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Some makers of septic tank additives claim that their products break down the sludge in septic tanks so the tanks never need to be pumped. Not everyone agrees on the effectiveness of additives. In fact, septic tanks already contain the microbes they need for effective treatment. Periodic pumping is a much better way to ensure that septic systems work properly and provide many years of service. Regardless, every septic tank requires periodic pumping.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the service report, the pumper should note any repairs completed and whether the tank is in good condition. If the pumper recommends additional repairs he or she can’t perform, hire someone to make the repairs as soon as possible.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Use water efficiently</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use can improve the operation of the septic system and reduce the risk of failure.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Install high-efficiency showerheadsFill the bathtub with only as much water as you needTurn off faucets while shaving or brushing your teethRun the dishwasher and clothes washer only when they’re fullUse toilets to flush sanitary waste only (not kitty litter, diapers, or other trash)Make sure all faucets are completely turned off when not in useMaintain your plumbing to eliminate leaksInstall aerators in the faucets in your kitchen and bathroomReplace old dishwashers, toilets, and clothes washers with new, high-efficiency modelsFor more information on water conservation, visit <a href="http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html">http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html</a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>High-efficiency toilets</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Toilet use accounts for 25 to 30 percent of household water use. Do you know how many gallons of water your toilet uses to empty the bowl? Most older homes have toilets with 3.5- to 5-gallon reservoirs, while newer high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. If you have problems with your septic system being flooded with household water, consider reducing the volume of water in the toilet tank if you don’t have a high-efficiency model or replacing your existing toilets with high-efficiency models.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Faucet aerators help reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system. High-efficiency showerheads or shower flow restrictors also reduce water use.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Water fixtures</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Check to make sure your toilet’s reservoir isn’t leaking into the bowl. Add five drops of liquid food coloring to t</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-33263974819476193212015-09-02T21:03:00.001-07:002015-09-02T21:03:52.629-07:00The Limitations of a Home Inspection<p dir="ltr"><b>The Limitations of a Home Inspection</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>The Home Inspection Defined</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">A general home inspection is a visual inspection for system and major accessible component defects and safety issues. The inspection is not technically exhaustive. A "general home inspection" and a "home inspection" are the same thing.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">A home inspection is designed to reflect, as accurately as possible, the visible condition of the home at the time of the inspection. Conditions at a home for sale can change radically in only a day or two, so a home inspection is not meant to guarantee what condition a home will be in when the transaction closes. It’s not uncommon for conditions to change between the time of the inspection and the closing date.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.nachi.org/images10/Outlet.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Above:  an overloaded outlet with no cover</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>It’s a Visual Inspection</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">A “visual” inspection means that a home inspection report is limited to describing conditions in those parts of a home that an inspector can see during the inspection. Obviously, parts of the home that are permanently hidden by wall, ceiling and floor coverings are excluded, but so are parts of the home that were inaccessible during the inspection for some other reason. Some reasons might include lack of an access point, such as a door or hatch, or a locked access point, or because an occupant’s belongings blocked access, or because of dangerous or unsanitary conditions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">There can be many more reasons. The point is that if an inspector can’t see a portion of the home, the inspector can’t assume responsibility for ensuring that a safe and proper condition exists or that systems are operating properly in that hidden space.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Safety</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Safety can be a matter of perception. Some conditions, such as exposed electrical wiring, are obviously unsafe. Other conditions, such as the presence of mold, aren’t as clear-cut.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the example of the possible existence of mold, it's difficult to accurately call it out during a general home inspection because mold sometimes grows in places where it can’t be readily seen, such as inside walls, making its discovery beyond the scope of the inspection.  Also, the dangers to human health are from the inhalation of spores from indoor air.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Most people with healthy immune systems have little or no problem with inhaling spores. A few people whose immune systems are compromised by lung disease, asthma or allergies can develop serious or even fatal fungal infections from mold spore levels that wouldn’t affect most people. Every home has mold and mold colonies can grow very quickly, given the right conditions. Mold can be a safety concern, but it often isn’t. The dangers represented by mold are a controversial subject. Other potential safety issues also fall into this category.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.nachi.org/images10/Gutter.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Above:  the cutting torch and gutter system of roof drainage management</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>System Defects</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">Although the majority of the inspection is visual, the InterNACHI Standards of Practice do require inspectors to operate space and water heating equipment, and air-conditioning equipment, if it can be done without damaging the equipment.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr">Inspectors will also examine the major accessible components of certain systems as required by the Standards of Practice. Furnace air filters are one example.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A home inspection is not technically exhaustive, meaning that systems or components will not be disassembled as part of the inspection. For example, an inspector will not partially disassemble a furnace to more accurately check the condition of the heat exchanger. Inspectors typically disclaim heat exchangers.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Hazardous Materials</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Asbestos, mold, lead, water purity, and other environmental issues or potential hazards typically require a specialist inspection, and may additionally require laboratory analysis.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Home Inspectors are Generalists</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Home inspectors are not experts in every home system but are generalists trained to recognize evidence of potential problems in the different home systems and their major components. Inspectors need to know when a problem is serious enough to recommend a specialist inspection. Recommendations are often made for a qualified contractor, such as a plumber or electrician, and sometimes for a structural engineer.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.nachi.org/images10/Floor.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Above:  the result of subfloor movement</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Inspector Qualifications</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Very few home inspectors have been in the inspection industry for their entire working lives. According to an InterNACHI poll, about half the home inspectors have a background in the building trades. Those with a construction background started with a general idea of the systems and components that they might find installed, as well as how those systems age and fail.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This doesn’t mean that inspectors with a background in something other than the building trades are not qualified -- only that they started in the inspection industry at a relative disadvantage. Building the skills and developing the judgment to consistently recognize and interpret evidence correctly and make appropriate recommendations are things that can be improved with practice and continuing education.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><img src="http://www.nachi.org/images10/Splice.jpg"></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Above:  improper electrical splice</i></p>
<p dir="ltr"> </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Managing Expectations</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Part of a home inspector’s job is to manage the expectations of their client. This is especially true when a client has never dealt with a home inspector before. Explaining the limitations of a home inspection to a client will help them develop realistic expectations concerning what to expect from a home inspection report, and what lies beyond the scope of the inspection.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When a home buyer is interviewing inspectors, the buyer should ask about how the inspector handles special safety concerns.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Disclaimers are portions of an inspection agreement or report in which an inspector notifies the client that the inspector will not accept the responsibility for confirming the condition of a portion of the home or of a particular system or component.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Creating realistic expectations in a client’s mind will help prevent misunderstandings and promote smooth real estate transactions.<br><br></p>
<p dir="ltr">http://www.nachi.org/limitations-home-inspection.htm</p>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-21572344413638868302015-09-01T20:49:00.001-07:002015-09-01T20:49:10.820-07:00Landscaping to help prevent against moisture penetration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgsZtpteEM7JZTEWcqIKvoEMYn6wUj9CdD2TmBM7ED98z7mfsky0UyyYgspVmOtC69dlifDBANbyg9X8KGUcM9Aj0lJMY5pI3IcPUC5OA49ccNdp_aCKOpKEdGV66sDpUhVIfKeiz9_ey/s1600/Landscaping101_finalv2-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgsZtpteEM7JZTEWcqIKvoEMYn6wUj9CdD2TmBM7ED98z7mfsky0UyyYgspVmOtC69dlifDBANbyg9X8KGUcM9Aj0lJMY5pI3IcPUC5OA49ccNdp_aCKOpKEdGV66sDpUhVIfKeiz9_ey/s640/Landscaping101_finalv2-01.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15645344405140221313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8581487533550985580.post-82403404663464008432015-08-30T20:56:00.001-07:002015-08-30T20:56:19.709-07:00Septic System Terminology<p dir="ltr">Saying that your home’s septic system consists of four major components is a bit like saying a car works because it has doors and tires. Beyond the sewage pipe, septic tank, drain field and your soil, a properly functioning septic system has many moving parts with associated terms that may be confusing to you as a homeowner. With that said, having a basic understanding of these terms can be helpful when discussing your home’s septic system with regulators, real estate agents and contractors. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Your Septic System’s Four Major Parts</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">As noted before, your septic system consists of four major parts. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The <b>sewage pipe</b> carries blackwater, greywater and wastewater from your home and empties it into a septic tank. The <b>septic tank</b> is large enough—usually 1,000 gallons—to handle roughly 40 percent of sewage treatment for your home. When everything is working properly, the septic tank separates sewage into three distinct layers, with liquids running out into your home’s<b>drain field</b>, which handles the remaining 60 percent of sewage treatment, <a href="http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/homeowner_guide_long.pdf">according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)</a>. Within the drain field the <b>soil</b>, and its marvelous brew of bacteria and microbes, breaks down the liquid safely so your groundwater is not polluted. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Waste Line to Tank</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">The sewage pipe or waste line, which runs from your home to your septic tank, may on occasion become blocked. Such blockage is relatively easy to clear either from the home or through the cleanout, an access pipe into the system with an aboveground removable cap. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Tank to Drain Field</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">The septic tank is the first step in household wastewater treatment and, despite seeming to be nothing more than a giant box, has many components. Watertight septic tanks can be concrete, polypropylene or fiberglass, but are always buried. At one end, the waste line from your home attaches to an inlet tee, allowing different types of waste liquid to enter the tank for treatment:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Blackwater</b> - Also known as septage, this is household waste from toilets, urinals and, in some instances, kitchen drains.<b>Greywater</b> - Non-sewage water leaving your home, such as from bathtubs, bathroom sinks and washing machines.<b>Wastewater</b> - A catch-all term for all of the water leaving your home, sewage and otherwise, that enters the septic tank. <b>Effluent</b> - The liquid layer that leaves the septic tank.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A septic tank is septic, or related to bacteria, because it depends on microorganisms to safely break down biologically hazardous human waste.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">To safeguard your family, the septic tank has baffles and other safeguards that keep the wastewater flowing outward, rather than backing up, thus minimizing accidental discharge of solids into the drain field:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Baffle</b> - A deflecting device inside the septic tank that prevents floating solids from leaving via the outlet tee; the baffle also controls the flow rate.<b>Gas Baffle</b> - A device inside the septic tank that deflects gas bubbles away from the outlet tee.<b>Outlet Tee</b> - The tee-shaped pipe that allows only effluent to leave the septic tank.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Inside the tank, gravity and bacteria separate the solids (dropping to the tank’s bottom to form sludge), the effluent (the middle and bulkiest layer) and the scum (the materials and gas in effluent that float on its surface). </p>
<p dir="ltr">After allowing natural processes to separate household sewage into scum, effluent and sludge, the effluent empties out into the drain field. The drain field allows the slow seepage of effluent into your property’s soil. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Drain Field into Soil</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Many older septic systems drain near ground level into a system of pipes that distribute treated effluent over a large area to soak into the soil. Modern systems may have a mound, in which the drainage pipes carry effluent into distribution lines that empty into built-up layers of aggregate and fill:</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Distribution Line</b> - A series of perforated pipes laid in a network to allow effluent to seep into the surrounding soil and aggregate.<b>Drain Field</b> - Also called a leach field, seepage bed or drainage bed, this is the whole area past the septic tank that carries effluent to distribution lines.<b>Mound</b> - Also called a turkey mound or raised system, this artificially created drain field locates distribution lines above the normal grade, with fill added to improve drainage.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>The Soil</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Your average backyard soil, teeming with helpful bacteria and microorganisms, breaks down effluent flowing from your drain field. Your septic system’s efficiency can be marred by long stretches of heavy rain (which saturates the soil) or by heavy shade that inhibits evaporation. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Testing Your Septic System</b></p>
<p dir="ltr">Some specialized vocabulary comes into play when a septic inspector checks a septic system: </p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>Breakout</b> - Septic effluent rises to the surface of your property, rather than percolating down.<b>Hydraulic Load Test</b> - Depending on certain conditions or local ordinances, a Hydraulic Load Test (HLT) may be necessary. This involves adding a specified volume of water to the absorption area (usually via the distribution box) to safely test the system to see if it can properly accept and process the daily flow of water calculated by the septic regulations. For example, if a home has been vacant for more than 7 days a HLT may be necessary to verify proper operation. </p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.careconsultingllc.com/blog/keep-your-septic-system-running-smoothly">By maintaining the major components of your home’s septic system</a>—waste pipe, septic tank, drain field and soil—you preserve your home's value. And, <a href="http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/why-maintain.cfm">as the EPA says</a>, keeping your septic system healthy not only protects your investment, it safeguards your family's health and the environment.</p>
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